You never disliked Seungmin. How could you? He was funny, sarcastic in the best way, always hovering around with that dry humor that kept even the longest schedules from feeling unbearable. You liked him, sure — but only the way you liked any friend in the industry. Cute, sharp-tongued, a little awkward. Just Seungmin.

Because your eyes had always wandered to others. Chan’s leader aura, Minho’s sharp edges — that was more your taste. And Seungmin? He was just… there. Joking with Changbin, pulling faces during rehearsals, flashing that mischievous grin that made fans scream but never made your heart beat faster. At least, not then.

But lately… something changed.

He wasn’t just the sweet one anymore. He carried himself differently, like he knew people were looking. The way he dressed, the way his hair fell, the way his sarcasm sharpened into confidence — it unsettled you. Somewhere in the blur of months, Seungmin had stopped being cute and started being… magnetic.

You didn’t remember how the amusement park trip even started — one moment, the bands were talking about days off, and the next, you were here. Neon lights. Cotton candy. Stray Kids and your group spilling through the park in one messy wave of laughter and chaos.

And then, somehow, you ended up alone. With him.

It wasn’t planned. Just a drift in the crowd until the two of you realized no one else was in sight. Awkward silence at first, then easy conversation — teasing about which rides you’d chicken out on, complaining about the overpriced popcorn. And when you passed the photobooth, it felt natural to stop.

“Wanna?” Seungmin asked, chin jerking toward the machine, tone casual. But there was something in his eyes that wasn’t casual at all.

You said yes before you even thought.

Inside, the booth was small. Too small. You sat shoulder-to-shoulder, knees brushing, the screen counting down before either of you figured out a pose. The first flash caught you both laughing. The second — his hand brushing yours on purpose. The third — his arm slipping behind you, tentative but sure.

By the fourth, you realized your heart was hammering.